Best Affordable Places to Live in California in 2025

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Just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is so much more than a Central Valley suburb. For one thing, it’s been a pioneer city in the world of country music, with artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard championing the Bakersfield sound. The region produces 80% of the nation’s carrots, along with garlic, tomatoes, and many other vegetable crops. And get this: The rapidly growing city is a low-key hub for Basque cuisine and culture.

Best of all, it’s an awesome spot for those looking to live an affordable life on the west coast, with a cost of living slightly above the national median and well below California’s state average cost-of-living index of 145. Bakersfield also boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California, even for first-time buyers.

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Farmers markets, art galleries, and a range of festivals make Modesto an excellent choice for those hoping to make a California life with their wallets in mind. And with a population of more than 200,000, you’ll find no shortage of peers to celebrate alongside.

Star Wars creator George Lucas hails from Modesto. The city is also known for its classic car culture, 150 miles of biking and hiking trails, the Gallo Winery (one of the world’s largest), and proximity to one of Yosemite National Park’s entrances.

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Home to Chico State, one of the more popular options in the California State University system, Chico has plenty to offer for those beyond their college years, too. It’s the perfect combination of city to-dos and outdoor landscapes that offer plenty of recreational opportunities — and the cost of living is among the lowest in the state.

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For southern California families, it’s hard to do better than Chula Vista, a San Diego-area community that offers plenty of kid-friendly activities at a lower-than-San-Diego price. The Lemon Capital boasts some of the best year-round weather on the planet, and attractions like Sesame Place, Eucalyptus Skateboard Park, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center. A new Gaylord Pacific Hotel and Convention Center opening in 2025 is bringing jobs and tourists to the area. Homes here are valued at well above the national average, but prices have leveled off recently and the area is still priced below San Diego’s $1 million level.

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A suburb of Fresno, Clovis is a Central Valley town that offers some of the most affordable California living. Families looking for a home in California will appreciate its highly ranked public schools. The area is within a 90-minute drive of three national parks, and boasts 300 days of sunshine a year.

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The best Sacramento suburb for those hoping to start a family, Elk Grove boasts plenty of city parks, family-friendly events, and easy access to the big-city amenities of the nearby capital. And of course, its housing market remains relatively affordable compared to other California cities. To compete more effectively in the market when home-shopping, think about going through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

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California’s state capital makes our list, thanks to its ample population size and relatively low cost of living. Plus, the city offers a wide array of nightlife opportunities for those looking to mix and mingle. The City of Trees has become known for its “farm-to-fork” food scene and high culture, including opera, ballet, and several theater companies. Though the cost of living here is above the U.S. average, it is below the state’s composite index of 145, making it one of the more affordable big cities in the state.

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Perfect for the 20-40 crowd who wants to be Bay Area–adjacent without being in the (pricey) Bay Area, Stockton offers a great local art scene and an up-and-coming community that’s just looking to be shaped by a new generation. Plus, its relatively affordable housing market means those getting established can put a roof over their heads without breaking the bank.

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City amenities? Check. Wine country? Check. Gorgeous outdoor pursuits available at every turn? You know it. While it’s not the very cheapest option on the map, Santa Rosa is perfect for young adults looking to live a refined lifestyle surrounded by like-minded peers. And it’s all within a stone’s throw of the Bay Area. For those who are ready to buy, property taxes are lower than in many other California metros.

A whole city specifically set aside for the retirement community, Laguna Woods is Southern California done right, with plenty of planned activities, senior resources, nearby wilderness, and more. If you’re a retiree in California, you might as well take a look at this very special place. Although the cost of living in nearby Laguna Hills is 141% of the U.S. average and rents can be high in Laguna Woods, an average home value around $450,000 signals that there are relatively affordable options for retirees (or soon-to-be retirees) who plan to purchase a home or condo.

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This Central Valley community makes the list again for its combination of outdoor access and city to-dos backed up by a relatively low cost of living. Plus, the atmosphere here is far less rushed than in cities like LA or SF, and more than 14% of the population is aged 65 or over.

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We couldn’t write a “best places to retire in California” list without including Palm Springs — even if it’s not the most affordable city on the list. With a median age over 56, Palm Springs is the quintessential retirement community, complete with beautiful warm days all winter long. The long-time resort area features natural hot springs, spas, golf courses, and a lively, walkable downtown. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes passengers from the desert floor to the mountain top (elevation 8,500 feet) for stunning views.

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If you’re willing to live a somewhat different beach life — think slower, smaller, and chillier — Eureka offers a great opportunity. This northern California coastal town is small but mighty, and just as close to the sandy shore as it is the redwood forests. The people here are quick to identify themselves as northern Californians — a different breed entirely from the rest of the state. The vibe is fiercely independent, as demonstrated by the many small artisanal businesses and unique annual events like the December Truckers’ Parade and Kinetic Grand Championship (a three-day race of human-powered kinetic sculptures) in May.

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Perfectly situated about halfway between LA and San Diego, Oceanside is a southern California beach town with a slightly slower pace. With more than 100,000 neighbors, it’s certainly not small, but it’s less… intense than other coastal communities in the area. ts cost of living is about average for California, but lower than many other beach areas.

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Another option for those willing to weather some beachside cold, Crescent City is a northern California gem that’s considered a gateway town to the nearby Redwood National and State parks. With a population around 6,000, the community is intimate — and importantly, affordable by California standards.